Difference between Lentils and Beans

The main difference between lentils and beans is that lentils are flat disc-shaped and smaller in size and beans are oval or kidney-shaped and larger.

Lentils vs beans

Lentils are members of the legume family (the fruit or seed of plants found in a pod or shed). They are small lens-shaped types of vegetables. Beans are also part of the legume family and grow in pods. They are larger than kidney-shaped lentils. Lentils are available in a wide variety of types. However, only three of them are the most popular. These types include green, brown, and red lentils. There are many types of beans that differ in cooking time and nutritional values. Lentils contain more fiber and fewer carbohydrates. Beans contain more carbohydrates and less fiber. Lentils cook quickly and do not require pre-soaking. Their cooking time differs from one type to another. Beans are known to take a long time to cook. But this time is reduced when it is soaked overnight before cooking. This method of soaking beans is also helpful in removing some of the indigestible sugars that can cause flatulence. Its cooking time also depends on its type; the larger the type of bean, the longer it takes to cook. Lentils contain essential proteins and vitamins. These vegetables can be substitutes for meat and other foods that contain protein. Beans can be the best addition to the diet plan of diabetic patients, since they do not cause a rise in blood sugar level and they have enough protein and vitamins. Lentils do not usually hold their shape when cooked. The beans request to hold their shape when cooked. Lentils contain essential proteins and vitamins. These vegetables can be substitutes for meat and other foods that contain protein. Beans can be the best addition to the diet plan of diabetic patients, as they do not cause a rise in blood sugar level and they have enough protein and vitamins. Lentils do not usually hold their shape when cooked. Beans request to hold their shape when cooked. Lentils contain essential proteins and vitamins. These vegetables can be substitutes for meat and other foods that contain protein. Beans can be the best addition to the diet plan of diabetic patients, as they do not cause a rise in blood sugar level and they have enough protein and vitamins. Lentils do not usually hold their shape when cooked. The beans request to hold their shape when cooked.

What are lentils?

Its Latin name, » Lens Culinaris»,clearly reflects the shape of the lentils. The direct meaning of the name in Latin is “kitchen lens.” Lentils are members of the legume family (the fruit or seed of plants found in a pod or shed). Lentils are available in a wide variety of types. The three most popular types are green, brown, and red lentils. Brown lentils are inexpensive and mix well in soups. Green lentils are called French lentils and are mainly used for salads. Their texture is the same as beluga lentils and they become firm when cooked. Red lentils cook faster and often brown and lose shape after cooking. Lentils contain a large amount of fiber. Usually half a cup of boiled lentils contains 7, 8 grams of fiber. Lentils contain lower amounts of carbohydrates. Their cooking time differs from one type to another. Red lentils cook for about 20 minutes, green lentils for 30 to 45 minutes, and golden lentils for 45 to an hour. Lentils are easy to store after cooking. They can be found dried or prepared in cans in stores. Although they tend to lose color after a long time, they do not lose their nutritional value and taste. The main characteristics of the lentil pulse are: Lentils are easy to store after cooking. They can be found dried or prepared in cans in stores. Although they tend to lose color after a long time, they do not lose their nutritional value and taste. The main characteristics of the lentil pulse are: Lentils are easy to store after cooking. They can be found dried or prepared in cans in stores. Although they tend to lose color after a long time, they do not lose their nutritional value and taste. The main characteristics of the lentil pulse are:

• are low in fat and high in protein and essential vitamins
• meat substitutes and other protein-containing foods
• contains more fiber and less carbohydrates

Beans are part of the legume family as they grow in pods. They are larger than kidney-shaped lentils. Beans are the best addition to a diet plan for diabetic patients, as they do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. One cup of cooked beans provides 15 grams of fiber that is helpful to the body. Beans are versatile and can be added to many dishes such as curries, soups, or salads. They can be used as a standard diet or as a substitute for meat products, as they have enough protein. Beans tend to hold their shape better when cooked. Half a cup of beans contains approximately 27 grams of carbohydrates and 5.2 grams of fat. But this carbohydrate and fat content differs from one type of bean to another. What’s more, beans take longer to cook than lentils. However, properly soaked beans can take up to 45 minutes to fully cook. This time depends on the type of beans. Beans have the following characteristics:

• provide reduced sodium and calories
• Benefits the body with essential fatty acids.
• low in fat, rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Key differences

1. Lentils contain more fiber and fewer carbohydrates, while beans contain more carbohydrates and less fiber.
2. The fourth cup of dried lentils contains a whopping 13 grams of fiber, while the fourth cup of beans contains about half that with 7 grams of fiber and chickpeas only have 6 grams of fiber.
3. Lentils take less time to cook, on the other hand, beans take longer. The cooking time of the beans can be reduced by soaking them in water.
4. Lentils do not usually hold their shape when cooked, conversely, beans tend to hold their shape when cooked.
5. Lentils are small sized legumes shaped like a lens, on the other hand, beans are larger than kidney shaped lentils.

Lentils and beans, belonging to the same legume family, both lentils and beans have many health benefits.